Local · 23 October 2026

Wales Presents Collaborative Project at Venice Biennale 2026

Wales has unveiled a new collaborative art project led by Manon Awst and Dylan Huw as part of the 61st International Art Exhibition in Venice, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to this major international event.

On 23 October 2026, Wales introduced its latest artistic contribution at the Venice Biennale, with a project led by artists Manon Awst and Dylan Huw. This initiative was presented as a collateral event at the 61st International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia. The project is a partnership between Awst, Huw, and their collaborators, including Oriel Davies in Newtown and Oriel Myrddin in Carmarthen.

The Arts Council of Wales renewed its commitment in 2025 to showcasing Welsh art at the Venice Biennale, with plans to participate not only in 2026 but also in future editions in 2028 and 2030. The selection of Awst and Huw to lead the 2026 project followed a process that included the announcement of a dedicated selection panel in May 2025. That same month, the Arts Council launched a call for expressions of interest from Welsh visual arts organisations to curate and present an exhibition for the Biennale.

By July 2025, it was announced that Awst and Huw would lead the new project, which was developed in their studio in Caernarfon. Their collaboration with Oriel Davies and Oriel Myrddin reflects a broader partnership within the Welsh arts sector.

The Wales in Venice 2026 team consists of 19 members, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project. This approach builds on previous Welsh participation, moving beyond the earlier Cymru Fenis 10 initiative, which had combined ten individual fellowships and commissions through Artes Mundi and Disability Arts Cymru.

Reports from 23 October 2026 noted a steady flow of visitors to the exhibition, both in Venice and in Wales, where the work titled "Sownd" was on display. This continued engagement demonstrates Wales’ commitment to presenting its contemporary visual arts on an international platform.

The 2026 project not only showcases the talents of Awst and Huw but also strengthens connections between Welsh galleries and artists, encouraging cultural exchange. The ongoing support from the Arts Council of Wales ensures that Welsh art remains visible at one of the world’s leading art events.

Why it matters

Wales’ participation in the Venice Biennale 2026 highlights the country’s sustained investment in presenting its contemporary visual arts internationally. By supporting artists such as Manon Awst and Dylan Huw and fostering collaborations with Welsh galleries, Wales enhances its cultural profile and creates opportunities for both artists and audiences. This ongoing involvement with the Biennale signals a long-term strategy to maintain Wales’ presence on the global art stage.

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